Mount Isa's new Flexible Learning Centre
Australia
Edmund Rice, the founder of the Christian Brothers, established an education system that was relationship-based, outreaching, inclusive, just and relevant to its time. Centred in the Christian tradition, it gave priority to the uniqueness and dignity of each person. The insight of Edmund Rice was that personal and community liberation could be achieved through educational and community experiences that enable transformation.
Edmund Rice Education Australia is continuing its commitment to respond to the needs of young people at the margins of education. Throughout Queensland they have a network of Flexible Learning Centres (EREA FLCN) which are dedicated to this commitment. It is with great joy that they announce the latest addition to this Network.
The Premier, Anna Bligh, officially opened the Mount Isa Flexible Learning Centre on Friday 17th May, 2010. The long-awaited event followed the opening of the school in January. Service providers from the government and non-government sectors, as well as students, parents, teachers and community members flocked to the Abel Smith Parade campus for the occasion. Edmund Rice Education Australia Youth Plus director Dale Murray said it was great to see such strong support for the education provider.
“For some young people the mainstream schools don't work, and that is why we are here - to provide another pathway for young people to access education" he said. It was great to see so many people turn out for the event and to see the students having conversations with the premier and other service providers.
The Mount Isa Flexible Learning Centre caters for students aged twelve to seventeen who are not in the mainstream school system or experience difficulties in the system. Each day more than thirty-five students attend the Centre. Students now have an 80 per cent attendance rate, which Mr Murray hailed as a success. "To have students attending school on pretty regular basis is a great result, especially considering these were young people who weren't at school before."
The aim of the EREA FLCN is to respond to the needs of young people at the margins of education. It achieves its aim by building honest and authentic relationships with young people and their families, and supporting and celebrating the uniqueness and dignity of each young person.
